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WOODHULL ILL - Rep. Swanson passed House Bill 4212 in the Illinois House, providing a mechanism for law enforcement to immediately respond to a missing veteran. Under this new bill law enforcement can issue a Silver Alert for a missing veteran. Like an Amber alert, the public will be notified in an effort to quickly locate a missing veteran and perhaps save a life.

“Veteran suicide is a major public health issue. Over 20 Veterans commit suicide each day. I’ve had family friends and acquaintances among them. This legislation amends the Missing Persons Identification Act to add veterans and active duty members suffering a physical or mental health condition in an attempt to reduce suicide rate,” said Rep. Dan Swanson. “If we can save one brother or sister-in-arms who needs a helping hand with healing from the battle back home, we should. They put their lives on the line for us and our freedom and deserve our outstretched hands when they are endangered.”

House Bill 4212 earned the support of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Illinois Department of Military Affairs, Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and Mental Health America of Illinois. HB 4212 passed 107-0 and will now go to the Illinois State Senate for consideration.

Copyright 2018 Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.